Stockholm, Sweden: it’s the season to embrace the cold!

01/12/2010

If you’re prepared to embrace, rather than escape the cold, then wrap up and head for Stockholm, where a warm welcome awaits you. You’re pretty sure of a white Christmas, with snowfall almost a certainty from November to March, reports the Telegraph.

So pack your thermal hat, socks and winter attire in general and walk the
city’s 14 bridge-linked islands, view its frozen canals, white-laced roof-tops and snowy squares, then treat yourself to a hot Glögg (mulled wine) in one of the city's many bars.

It’s Christmas card stuff at the beautiful, traditional, non-touristy Christmas markets in Stortorget and Skansen. Unusual gifts can also be found in the gadget stores at Östermalm. You can always take refuge from the cold in one of the interesting museums and galleries. Try the fascinating Vasa Museum (www.vasamuseet.se/en), home to an amazingly well-preserved 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage and was salvaged over 300 years later.

December is a great time to go, with SAS (www.flysas.co.uk) offering flights this month from Heathrow starting at £170 return. Things are sure to heat up on December 13 when Sweden's largest Santa Lucia festival kicks off, offering a number of concerts and processions (tinyurl.com/stluciastockholm). Be sure not to miss it!